Curated Environments for Learning or Lolling
New designed landscape destinations... and an elegant nineteenth-century manor
In addition to all the visually and ecologically powerful places you can check out today, planning for the Fjord Trail includes exciting new destinations that will be built and programmed down the road.
Convenient parking is planned near most visitor destinations.
Natural Playscape
Accessed from Little Stony Point, this shoreline space will be an interactive discovery zone for kids—and even grownups who like to play!
Play equipment inspired by the abundant driftwood that washes ashore at this location will encourage young visitors to appreciate natural resources through active participation in stewardship of the land.
Like other sections along the HHFT, the natural playscape at Little Stony Point will offer opportunities for outdoor educational and recreational programming while creating a welcoming space for families from Cold Spring and beyond.
Breakneck Overlooks
It’s no secret that the super-steep Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in the United States. It’s not for everyone, though—yet everyone should have the chance to enjoy the stupendous views along this stretch of the Hudson River. Those views will be provided—at a generous scale!—by the vantage point from the Upper and Lower Breakneck Overlooks.
In addition to being the relocated trailhead for hikers seeking to experience Breakneck, the Upper Overlook will include a stewards’ station and information booth. And very importantly, it will get hikers off the road, with hiker congestion along State Route 9D and on residential streets of Cold Spring being among the community concerns that the Fjord Trail will alleviate.
Restrooms, a connector trail to the Breakneck train station, and a kid-friendly rock scramble will be located near this section of the trail. The Lower Overlook will provide direct river access and connection to the Shoreline Trail, an entirely waterfront promenade between Breakneck and Dockside Park in Cold Spring.
Breakneck Overlooks
It’s no secret that the super-steep Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in the United States. It’s not for everyone, though—yet everyone should have the chance to enjoy the stupendous views along this stretch of the Hudson River. Those views will be provided—at a generous scale!—by the vantage point from the Upper and Lower Breakneck Overlooks.
In addition to being the relocated trailhead for hikers seeking to experience Breakneck, the Upper Overlook will include a stewards’ station and information booth. And very importantly, it will get hikers off the road, with hiker congestion along State Route 9D and on residential streets of Cold Spring being among the community concerns that the Fjord Trail will alleviate.
Restrooms, a connector trail to the Breakneck train station, and a kid-friendly rock scramble will be located near this section of the trail. The Lower Overlook will provide direct river access and connection to the Shoreline Trail, an entirely waterfront promenade between Breakneck and Dockside Park in Cold Spring.
Outdoor Classrooms and Forest Nets
The forested area just north of the landmark Dutchess Manor will provide opportunities for education, meditation, and immersion in the mystery and sounds of the tree canopy.
Elevated walkways and fabric nets strung between pathways will invite users to experience the forest lying down in a hammock, of sorts.
An outdoor classroom with seating and a stage will make this zone an ideal locale for classes in forest ecology, native wildlife, and more. Young arborists, bird watchers, painters, and dreamers will want to spend an afternoon (or more!) exploring the Forest Nets.
Outdoor Classrooms and Forest Nets
The forested area just south of the landmark Dutchess Manor will provide opportunities for education, meditation, and immersion in the mystery and sounds of the tree canopy.
Elevated walkways and fabric nets strung between pathways will invite users to experience the forest lying down in a hammock, of sorts.
An outdoor classroom with seating and a stage will make this zone an ideal locale for classes in forest ecology, native wildlife, and more. Young arborists, bird watchers, painters, and dreamers will want to spend an afternoon (or more!) exploring the Forest Nets.
Visitor Center & Orientation Points
The historic location known as Dutchess Manor will be Hudson Highland Fjord Trail’s headquarters, with a visitor center, restrooms, and public programming. HHFT will conduct a reuse study in 2022 to determine next steps for restoring the building and repurposing it in ways that honor this Hudson Valley landmark. Read the press release about Dutchess Manor here.
There will be restrooms at all entry points for the trail: Dockside Park (Cold Spring), Little Stony Point, Breakneck Ridge, Notch, Madam Brett, Dennings Point, and Long Dock Park (Beacon).
The trail will also incorporate convenient bicycle tune-up stations.
Rendering: SCAPE Landscape Architecture
Illustrations: SCAPE Landscape Architecture
Illustration: Donna Calcavecchio
